Mar 4, 2011

Luff: 437 Boom: 184Out of all the test sails, the Switch is the most geared towards speed and flatwater blasting. This freeride bias comes from it being only one of two sails with six battens, and it having the longest boom length in the test. The Switch is a perfect match for any smaller freeride board (like our only freeride test board, the JP All-Ride 96) , as it will allow the sail to make the most of its combination of power, speed and manoeuvrability. On the more bump-and-jump oriented FSW shapes, the higher draft and longer boom is only a good match for larger sized riders. For smaller riders, we recommend setting up a FSW board with double rear footstraps to maximize its speed. With the right board underneath, it shows a touch of softness that allows it to expand quickly and get the rider up to speed in the smallest gust. The Switch’s six battens help it remain stable well beyond any of the wavesails, and its smooth, slippery feel makes it easy to fly past all the other test sails. It has an impressive wind range that will likely have you going as fast as you ever want to go, long before you ever actually become overpowered. We suggest primarily using the outhaul for tuning. Backing off the downhaul tightens up the leech, making the sail feel heavier and more sluggish, while too much tension results in leech flutter. The recommended settings are spot-on, so it’s easy to find the middle ground that gives peak performance. In transitions, the soft rotation encourages one to try accessible freestyle moves like Duck Jibes or Carving 360s. There’s a bit of a weight penalty with the extra batten and long boom, compared to the wavesails, but it still has a lighter feel than most freeride sails. The Switch is the truest freeride sail in the test, making it best for those who sail flatter water and want an easy riding sail with plenty of speed. mauisails.com